Jamie Smith from Broadway, Abington, was asleep when youths tried to drive away his prized 100cc machine which was parked outside his home.

But when they discovered it was immobilised, they set it on fire and left it in a nearby alley.

Mr Smith, a student at Northampton College, was distraught and called police, who added to his misery by telling him he would be charged for the scooter to be taken away.

The 17-year-old said: "It's a real kick in the teeth for me. I know it's not their fault but you expect the police to make you feel better, not add to your unhappiness."

The Peugeot scooter, worth £1,000, was found in Cedar Road where borough council officers recommended it be removed.

A police spokesman said: "No police service has the facilities to recover and store vehicles on behalf of their owners, or the financial resources to pay for this.

"Vehicles cannot be left where they are found to allow the owners to arrange recovery – they may be causing an obstruction or could even be stolen again.

"When someone reports their vehicle stolen, they are informed that, if it is found, it will be their responsibility to pay for recovery and storage.

"But victims should contact their insurance company to claim this money back."